Simply Money by Allworth Financial

High-Net-Worth Playbook: January Moves to Grow and Protect Your Wealth

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian reveal why January is the most strategic money month of the year. From harvesting capital gains and revisiting direct indexing strategies to maximizing donor-advised funds and managing idle cash, they break down the smartest financial moves you can make right now. Plus, they discuss why a bigger tax refund isn't necessarily a good thing, how poor timing can erode your investment returns, and how to prepare emotionally and financially for long-term care decisions. Later, they answer listener questions about tax alpha, inherited IRAs, and consolidating retirement accounts.

2025 in Review: The Headlines Were Loud, But Our Advice Was Right

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian take a deep dive into what really happened in 2025 — and why the investing fundamentals they shared all year long held up once again. From President Trump’s return and a new wave of tariffs, to a Federal Reserve caught between inflation and politics, to a stock market rally that rewarded patient investors — they told you what to expect, and they were right. Hear what mattered most, what moved the markets, and what lessons investors should take into 2026. Plus, the rise of real financial resolutions, how to measure if your money actually did its job this year, and your smart money questions answered.

Gen X’s Retirement Reality Check, the Happiness-Saving Link, and the Executive Dilemma

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian explore a simple phrase that could mean the difference between financial freedom and struggle: “the sooner the better.” They unpack new data around Gen X’s looming retirement crisis and what it means to be the first generation largely retiring without pensions.
Then, they dive into a compelling new study showing how saving—not spending—could be the true key to financial happiness.
Plus, career expert Julie Bauke joins to dissect “the executive dilemma”—when a promotion might not actually be the best next move.
Finally, Bob and Brian answer real listener questions on managing capital gains, tapping into dividends, and planning for long-term care.

Is the AI Boom a Bubble — and What Should Your Financial Plan Look Like if It Pops in 2026?

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian explore whether we’re living through another tech bubble — this time fueled by artificial intelligence. Is the massive investment in AI setting us up for a painful correction in 2026? They dig into market concentration, inflated valuations, and why companies like Nvidia, Oracle, and OpenAI are raising red flags for some investors.
You’ll also hear why now is a smart time to rebalance your portfolio — but not the old way — and how high-net-worth investors are using buffered ETFs and direct indexing to level up their financial strategy. Plus, estate planning mistakes that can cost your heirs big time, and real answers in the Ask the Advisor segment — from embedded portfolio risk to downsizing dilemmas.

Is Your Financial Advisor Playing Offense or Just Killing Clock?

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian uncover the crucial differences between financial advisors who are just going through the motions and those truly playing offense—actively helping high-net-worth clients reduce taxes, build legacy plans, and take control of their financial futures. Learn the red flags that suggest your advisor may be stuck in the past and the proactive strategies—like Roth conversions and tax-efficient income planning—that can dramatically improve your long-term outcomes.
Plus, find out what Vanguard is doing that could make your 401(k) feel more like a pension, when it makes sense to start financially helping your kids now, and how to plan your estate beyond just taxes and probate. It’s a jam-packed show for anyone who wants to stay sharp and plan smarter.

Two Stocks Are Driving the Market — Is Your Portfolio at Risk?

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal a stunning stat: just two companies—Alphabet and Nvidia—are responsible for a third of the S&P 500’s returns this year. If you think you’re diversified just because you own an index fund, think again. They dive into the historical precedent for today’s market concentration, the real risks of overexposure to big tech, and what smart investors should consider instead—including equal-weight ETFs, buffered products, and direct indexing.

The Art of Smart Asset Allocation + Bond Investing Strategies for Today’s Market

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian break down the true art of asset location—why it’s not just about what you invest in, but where you hold those investments. They walk through real-life scenarios for high-net-worth investors, explaining how to use pre-tax, Roth, and taxable accounts to build smarter, tax-savvy portfolios. Then, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta are flooding the market with corporate bonds. Why now? And what does that mean for income-focused investors? Plus, career expert Julie Bauke joins the show to unpack the “Executive Dilemma”—when to stay, when to jump, and how to evaluate your next big move. Also: tech-heavy indexes, the rise of private credit, and what to do with a lump sum after selling a rental property.

The Fed Obsession: Are You Falling for the Wrong Financial Headlines?

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian ask the question every long-term investor should be thinking about right now: while the headlines fixate on the Fed, are we focusing on the wrong thing? Plus, what a major move involving a media company can teach us about handling company stock. And don’t miss answers to your biggest financial questions, from capital gains strategy to whether ETFs really beat mutual funds in a taxable account.

When the Economy Goes Off Script: Lessons from 40 Years of Market Surprises

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian explore how your financial plan should stay steady even when the economy doesn’t follow the script. From the double-digit interest rates of the 1980s to the AI-fueled market surge of 2023–24, they unpack the mixed signals investors have faced over the last 40 years—and what you can learn from the surprises. They also dive into how innovations from State Street could reshape your 401(k), how to make smart open enrollment choices, and real-life listener questions about supporting aging parents and adult kids, selling a business, managing inconsistent income, and dealing with old annuities.

AI’s Investment Impact, Global Investing Made Simple, and Your Questions Answered

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian dive deep into the AI investment craze that’s dominating headlines. Are we too late to cash in? Or is this just the beginning of a new economic era? They break down the hype, the risks, and the smarter way to invest—without trying to pick a winner. Plus, why international investing may deserve another look, a fresh update on the real estate market, and how to break out of financial decision paralysis. Finally, your listener questions on giving, planning, and the fear of running out—even when you have enough.